Tipping in Dutch Side Restaurants on Sint MaartenIn many cases, a 15% charge is added to this line. This is a service charge and NOT tax, as there is no such tax on the island!
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The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.
We usually take $100-$150 per day in cash. For the budget minded traveler: be advised that almost all credit card companies charge 3-4% exchange fee on charges made out of the US. We always pay for room with TC's to avoid the fee on large ticket item. We user our CC's for hotel and car.
In St Maarten, divided between the Dutch side (St Maarten) and the French side (St Martin), both the US Dollar and the Euro are valid forms of payment. The US Dollar is widely recognized on both sides, offering convenience to most travelers, whereas the Euro is the official currency on the French side.
The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water. Bottled water is inexpensive if you do not like the taste of the tap water.
Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card).
Traveling by public bus (more like a minivan) is a reasonable means of transport on St. Maarten/St. Martin if you don't mind a bit of inconvenience and overcrowding. Buses run daily from 5am to midnight and serve most major locations on both sides of the island.
Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.
There are plenty of reasons to visit St Martin – from stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to duty-free shopping, vibrant nightlife and diverse cultures. Plus, as a dual-nation island with two different cultures and two different vibes, you get a two-for-the-price-of-one Caribbean Island vacation.
International Passenger Service Charge (LI tax) is a service tax charged by the Philippine Government for all passengers travelling internationally from Manila-Ninoy Aquino International Airport. This tax is also applicable for children (2 – 11 years) of all passengers but not infants (under 2 years).
An airport tax is a tax levied on passengers for passing through an airport and is usually included in the price of an airline ticket. The taxes that airports charge are used to pay for the operation and maintenance of the airport.